Today is Father's Day, and it makes me think of how much has changed in our life and family in the last year. We had no idea that within a year, we would say our first goodbye to a father in our life.
Between the two of us, Ryan and I have three fathers in our lives. And all of them have made an impact on us - in years gone by and today.
Ryan's dad, Ryan's step-dad, and my dad have all invested in us. From our childhoods until now, they've taught us purposeful lessons, they've led by example, and they've prayed for us.
We are so grateful for each of them, but today I want to further say how their impact has gone one step further.
As you know, Ryan and I don't have children. And even though our work does not involve us being parents to the tenants in our building, we do sometimes fall into that role, unofficially. And it has been one of the greatest joys of my heart to watch Ryan fill a fatherly role to the young adults in our care this past year.
* He has sat at the kitchen table, quizzing and studying with them so they could pass their driving permit tests.
* He has worked patiently to teach them skills of construction, maintenance, and car care, as they have asked to learn.
* He has fixed a hundred things (give or take a hundred) that they've broken - and they even gave him an award at the tenant-orchestrated staff appreciation night to acknowledge that!
* He has played endless games, both for the fun of it and for the great conversation that comes along when games are played.
* He has explained the answers to questions about the Bible, faith, and salvation.
* He has gone the extra mile - literally - for every single tenant here. (He even once combed the side of a stretch of road to look for a tenant's cell phone that fell off the roof of the car. And they found it!)
* He has prayed with and for them when they're scared, sad, sick, worried, and more.
* He has advocated for them fiercely - and sometimes he was the only one who showed up on their behalf.
* He has cared for their children when they needed help. (And he is hands-down the favorite.)
Ryan may not have any children of his own, but our tenants have seen glimpses of a father in him. He has shown them unconditional love and sacrifice every minute of every day. He has given them his all, and I know they see it. They call the work phone and ask for him. They seek his opinions and advice. (Even if they don't always take it.) They seek his approval.
I'm so proud of him. He has stepped into this role so beautifully, and today I want to honor him. He may not be a biological father, but he is a father, and God is using him in amazing ways.
Happy Father's Day, Ryan. I'm so very proud to be on this journey with you.
4 comments:
Awww...that’s beautiful! Beautifully expressed, and beautiful work done by Ryan (and you).
Happy Father’s Day Ryan. You are an amazing man. And your tenants are blessed to have you in their lives. They need a father figure who can show them the way and train them to be parents one day too. Many prayers for you both. PS. I loved the vacation stories.
Love these sentiments, Bekah! We are honored to know Ryan and do wish him a Happy Father's Day. Being biological isn't always "necessary" to fulfil a particular role in the hearts and lives of others. (If you know what I'm trying to say with that statement)
Bekah,
This was so sweet.
Also I just loved your post of the six from yesterday. I bookmarked most of them to do with grandchildren that are growing up way too fast. We have been to the UP several times, summer and early fall. Love it up there at that time.
Thanks again for your faithfulness to the blog. I may not always comment, may not always get to read every day, but I usually try to catch them all.
On keeping records, my mother used to keep them in a notebook and was such a help when she passed on to glory.
Gaylene
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